Wireless Parking Meter Control System with Dual Processor Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parking meter systems lack efficient communication between components, leading to inefficiencies in managing parking spaces and enforcing parking regulations, as they often rely on manual processes and lack real-time data integration.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic parking meter mechanism with wireless communication capabilities, including a processor-controlled display and data communication system, allows for real-time data exchange between parking meters, management systems, and enforcement units, utilizing sensors to detect vehicle presence and payment methods, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and enforcement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used for parking meter operations, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and data integration efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with electronic and wireless communication systems. Parking meters use electronic displays, wireless transmitters, and processors to automatically communicate vehicle presence and payment data to enforcement units, eliminating the need for manual meter reading and ticket issuance processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The enforcement unit serves multiple functions: it detects vehicle presence via sensors, receives payment information from meters, issues tickets automatically, and provides real-time monitoring. This multi-functional device consolidates what were previously separate manual operations into a single automated system.
2Loss of information
If real-time wireless communication is implemented between parking meters and management systems, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system operates periodically rather than continuously. The transmitter in the parking meter sends data to the enforcement unit at intervals or when specific events occur (vehicle arrival, departure, payment), reducing energy consumption while maintaining real-time information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses event-triggered communication where the parking meter automatically transmits data when it detects a change in state (vehicle presence, payment status). This self-service approach ensures information is updated in real-time without requiring continuous power-intensive communication.
3Productivity
If automated enforcement units with sensors and wireless communication are deployed, then productivity and enforcement efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enforcement system is divided into modular components: sensors for vehicle detection, wireless communication modules for data exchange, processors for decision-making, and ticket issuance mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The enforcement unit combines multiple functions into a single device: vehicle detection, communication with parking meters, payment verification, ticket issuance, and violation enforcement. This merging consolidates what were previously separate manual processes into one automated system, improving efficiency despite increased complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic parking meter mechanism is provided. The electronic meter mechanism includes an inner housing, an electronic display screen and a wireless communication subsystem configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system. The electronic meter mechanism includes a first processor configured to control the electronic display screen, and a second processor configured to control communication of data by the wireless communication subsystem.